Murray weighs up fresh options

St Helens boxer Martin Murray is stepping up to the super-middleweight division

Published:09:05Wednesday 10 June 2015

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St Helens boxer Martin Murray (pictured) has stepped up to the super-middleweight division and admits he’s as hungry as even for a title belt.

Murray, 32, was twice denied world crown in controversial circumstances, drawing against WBA champ Felix Sturm and losing a dubious decision to WBC king Sergio Martinez.

Then, despite a 11th round technical knockout, the Pride of St Helens fighter won plaudits from across the globe with a performance of guts and class against Gennady Golovkin, the man many believe is the world’s best pound-for-pounder fighter.

Murray will move up a weight class after signing for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his debut on June 26 against an as yet unnamed opponent.

“The decision to move up to super-middleweight was one I made with my team,” Murray told Sky Sports.

“I can still make middleweight and I would do if the right opportunity arose. I do believe I’m the second best middleweight in the world behind Gennady Golovkin.

“We’ve said for a long time now though that being at middleweight is affecting my power, my strength and speed. Those last couple of pounds take a bit away.

“We’ve done what we can at middleweight for the time being so I’m stepping up. Super-middleweight is great domestically and we have world class and world champion fighters. It’s a great division to be in and I’m looking forward to the new venture.”

Among those on Murray’s radar are James DeGale and George Groves, while many fight fans still relish the prospect of Murray going toe to toe with multi-title super-middleweight king, Carl Froch.